Closet collar adaptations

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are various embodiments for providing a seal for a closet collar. A sealing assembly is positioned on a closet collar for a drain pipe. The sealing assembly may comprise a portion on which a sealing component is positioned. A toilet is positioned over the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly is compressed between the toilet and the closet collar, and a seal for the closet collar is formed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

The present patent application is a Continuation application of, andclaims priority to, copending U.S. Non-Provisional patent applicationentitled “CLOSET COLLAR ADAPTATIONS” and having Ser. No. 13/771,773,filed on Feb. 20, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety and which claims priority to both copending U.S. provisionalapplication U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/600,794 filed on Feb.20, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/667,377 filed onJul. 2, 2012. Each of these applications is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A closet collar may provide a connection between a toilet and a drainpipe. Closet collars can be installed improperly making it difficult toinstall a toilet without a leaky seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIGS. 1A-1C are drawings showing examples of a closet collar accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2C are drawings showing examples of a closet collar adapteraccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3-5 are drawings showing an example of a closet collar adaptationassembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of clips that may be used with acloset collar adaptation assembly according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 9 and 10A-10B are drawings showing examples of flexible seal ringsthat may be used with a closet collar adaptation assembly according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11-14 are drawings showing an example of a sealing washer that maybe used with a closet collar adaptation assembly according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a drawing showing another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 is a drawing showing another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 17A-17B are drawings of another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 is a drawing of an example of a toilet installed with a closetcollar adaptation assembly according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 19-20 are drawings of a closet collar adaptation assembly with alid according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a drawing of another example of a closet collar adaptationassembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 22A-22B are drawings of an example of an adapter plate for acloset collar adaptation assembly according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 23A-23E are drawings of another embodiment of a sealing washer fora closet collar adaptation assembly according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 24A-24B are drawings showing another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 25A-25C are drawings showing examples of an adapter plate for acloset collar adaptation assembly according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 26A-26C are drawings showing examples of a closet collaradaptation assembly according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 27A-27B are drawings showing an example of a bellow for a closetcollar adaptation assembly according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 27C is a drawing showing another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 28A-28B, 29A-29B, and 30A-30D are drawings showing examples offlexible rings for a closet collar adaptation assembly according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 31A-31B and 32A-32C are drawings showing another example of acloset collar adaptation assembly according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 33A-33E are drawings showing another example of a closet collaradapter for a closet collar adaptation assembly according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, shown are examples of closetcollars 100 upon which toilets may be installed. The closet collars 100provide the drain point for a toilet where sewage leaves the toilet andis provided to a sewage system as can be appreciated. The closet collars100 are shown relative to flooring 103. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A,the closet collar 100 is recessed with respect to the flooring 103 sothat the upper surface of the closet collar 100 is flush with thesurface of the flooring 103. Such may occur, for example, where thecloset collar 100 is installed on subflooring and then finished flooring103 is installed around the closet collar 100. For example, ceramic tileor other types of a flooring 103 may be installed on subflooring andresult in the upper surface of the closet collar 100 being flush withthe surface of the flooring 103. Referring to FIG. 1B, shown is asituation in which the closet collar 100 is recessed with respect to theflooring 103 such that the top surface of the closet collar 100 is belowthe top surface of the flooring 103. Such may occur, for example, wherethe closet collar 100 is installed onto subflooring and then finishedflooring having a relatively large thickness is installed around it.With reference to FIG. 1C, shown is a situation in which the closetcollar 100 is installed on top of the flooring 103. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1C, the top surface of the closet collar 100 is above the topsurface of the flooring 103. As contemplated herein, the closet collar100 in any given installation might fall within any one of theconfigurations described with reference to FIG. 1A, 1B, or 1C.

With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, shown is an example of a closetcollar adapter 113 according to various embodiments. A closet collaradapter 113 includes a pipe extension 116 that is configured to extenddown into a closet collar 100 (FIGS. 1A-1C). Also, a sealing washer 119may be disposed on top of the closet collar adapter 113. According tovarious embodiments, the sealing washer 119 may be affixed to an uppersurface of the closet collar adapter 113 by way of an appropriateadhesive, for example, thereby forming a sealed junction between thesealing washer 119 and the upper surface of the closet collar adapter113. In alternative embodiments, the sealing washer 119 may be affixedto the upper surface of the closet collar adapter 113 by beingovermolded or by using any other suitable process. In furtheralternative embodiments, the sealing washer 119 and the closet collaradapter 113 may be integrally molded as a single part. The sealingwasher 119 may be made from rubber or other appropriate material thatfacilitates an appropriate seal with a horn extending from the undersideof a toilet as will be described.

With reference to FIG. 3, shown is an example of a closet collaradaptation assembly 200 according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. According to various embodiments, the closet collaradaptation assembly 200 may include the closet collar adapter 113, aflexible seal ring 203, one or more anchor bolts 206, the sealing washer119, and possibly other components. The closet collar adapter 113 maymount to and form a seal with the closet collar 100. Although theembodiment of FIG. 3 shows the components of the closet collaradaptation assembly 200 as being separate components, in alternativeembodiments, one or more of the components of the adaptation assembly200 may be integrally molded as a single component. In furtheralternative embodiments, one or more of the components of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 200 may be bonded to form a single componentusing, for example, an overmolding process or any other suitable method.

Positioned above the closet collar adaptation assembly 200 is the bottomof a toilet 213 that includes the horn 216. The horn 216 of the toilet213 mates with the closet collar adaptation assembly 200 to form a sealbetween the horn 216 and the closet collar 100. The seal between thehorn 216 and the closet collar adaptation assembly 200 facilitates thepassage of sewage matter from the toilet 213 through the closet collar100 and down the drain pipe as can be appreciated.

The flexible seal ring 203 may be made of a material that facilitatesthe flexible seal ring 203 flexing and at least partially collapsingwith pressure, thereby forming a seal between the underside of thecloset collar adapter 113 and the sealing surface of the closet collar100. In alternative embodiments, a wax ring may be used instead of or inaddition to the flexible seal ring 203. Such a flexible seal ring 203may be made of, for example, neoprene, foam rubber, polyvinylchloride(PVC) rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR),styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)rubber, or any other material that facilitates the flexible seal ring203 at least partially collapsing and sealing against the respectivesurfaces. These materials may facilitate the flexible seal ring 203being reusable, unlike a wax ring which typically is made for a singleuse. In this sense, when the toilet 213 and/or the closet collaradaptation assembly 200 is removed, the flexible seal ring 203 mayreturn at least partially to the shape in which it was prior to thetoilet 213 and/or the closet collar adaptation assembly 200 causing theflexible seal ring 203 to at least partially collapse. Additionally, theflexible seal ring 203 may comprise an antimicrobial material. Forexample, the flexible seal ring 203 may comprise an antimicrobialcoating.

Additionally, the material selected for the flexible seal ring 203 maybe chosen so that it may withstand the corrosive effects of the sewagegases and matter that flows from the toilet 213 into the drain throughthe closet collar 100 as can be appreciated. The closet collaradaptation assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 3 using an exploded view inwhich components have not yet been completely assembled.

Referring to FIG. 4, shown is the closet collar adaptation assembly 200in which the closet collar adapter 113 has been pushed down onto theflexible seal ring 203, thereby compressing the flexible seal ring 203as shown. The sealing washer 119 is disposed at the top of the closetcollar adapter 113 and includes a hole through which the horn 216 of thetoilet 213 protrudes. The sealing washer 119 may thereby form a sealwith the sides of the horn 216 to prevent sewage gases or other matterfrom escaping during the toilet flush cycle or at other times. Theanchor bolts 206 may be restricted to the closet collar 100 in holes orslots that are typically found within closet collars 100 as can beappreciated.

With reference to FIG. 5, shown is an example of the closet collaradaptation assembly 200 in which the toilet 213 has been placed over thecloset collar adaptation assembly 200 and the horn 216 has been pressedthrough the center opening of the sealing washer 119. As shown, thesealing washer 119 may be stretched down around the sides of the horn216, thereby forming a seal between the side of the horn 216 and thesealing washer 119. In addition, wax may be provided at strategiclocations inside the closet collar adapter 113 so that the sides of thehorn 216 may come into contact with the wax to form a seal in additionto, or as an alternative to, the use of the sealing washer 119. Forexample, such wax may be placed in the corner 223 or in other locationsformed in the closet collar adapter 113. As a result, the wax maycontact a portion of the horn 216 to further form a seal between thehorn 216 and closet collar adapter 113. In alternative embodiments, theside walls of the closet collar adapter 113 may be shaped to provide forholding areas or reservoirs in which wax or other sealants may beretained. When the horn 216 is inserted into closet collar adapter 113,the wax or other sealants in the holding areas or reservoirs may comeinto contact with the horn 216. The holding areas or reservoirs mayprovide for greater precision in terms of sealing to prevent sewageleaks and may also facilitate assembly and/or installation of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 200.

With reference to FIG. 6, shown is a closet collar adaptation assembly300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Thecloset collar adaptation assembly 300 is similar to the closet collaradaptation assembly 200 described above, with the exception that thecloset collar adaptation assembly 300 shown in FIG. 6 includes multipleflexible seal rings 203 a and 203 b that are sandwiched together asshown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the closet collar adaptationassembly 300 includes two flexible seal rings 203 a and 203 b. However,fewer or greater quantities of flexible seal rings 203 a and 203 b maybe used in alternative embodiments. Having multiple flexible seal rings203 a and 203 b may provide a proper seal between the closet collaradapter 113 and the closet collar 100 when the closet collar 100 isrecessed relatively far down in the flooring 103 (FIG. 1) as can beappreciated.

With reference to FIG. 7, shown is another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly 330 according to various embodiments. The closetcollar adaptation assembly 330 in the embodiment of FIG. 7 includes anadapter plate 333 that includes a hole through which the horn 216 (FIG.3) of a toilet may protrude. The sealing washer 119 may be affixed tothe top of the adapter plate 333 and may form a sealed jointtherebetween. The flexible seal ring 203 is disposed between the adapterplate 333 and the closet collar 100 as shown. The horn 216 of a toiletmay be positioned to extend through the sealing washer 119 and the innerhole of the adapter plate 333, thereby forming a seal between the sidesof the horn 216 of the toilet, as described above, via the sealingwasher 119. Thus, the closet collar adaptation assembly 330 provides forthe installation of a toilet 213 without the use of the closet collaradapter 113 described above.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 7 shows the components of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 330 as being separate components, inalternative embodiments, one or more of the components of the adaptationassembly 330 may be integrally molded as a single component. In furtheralternative embodiments, one or more of the components of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 330 may be bonded to form a single componentusing, for example, an overmolding process or any other suitable method.For example, the sealing washer 119 may be overmolded to the adapterplate 333 in various embodiments.

Referring next to FIG. 8, shown is a view of an example of clips 353that may be used with various closet collar adaptation assemblies 200according to various embodiments. In FIG. 8, the clips 353 are shownbeing used with the closet collar adaptation assembly 200. Inalternative embodiments, the clips 353 may be used with the closetcollar adaptation assembly 300 (FIG. 6), the closet collar adaptationassembly 330 (FIG. 7), or with other embodiments. The clips 353 may beslid onto the anchor bolts 206 so that they make contact with thesealing washer 119 (FIG. 2) that is disposed on top of the closet collaradapter 113. The clips 353 may be pushed down such that the flexibleseal ring (not shown) is compressed by the clips 353 to hold the closetcollar adaptation assembly 200 and to hold the anchor bolts 206 inplace, thereby facilitating the toilet 213 (FIG. 3) being positionedover the closet collar adaptation assembly 200.

Referring to FIG. 9, shown are two examples of the flexible seal ring203, denoted here as flexible seal ring 203 c and flexible seal ring 203d. The flexible seal ring 203 c may comprise foam rubber, PVC rubber,neoprene, or other types of sealing materials. Such materials may beantimicrobial according to various embodiments. Additionally, theflexible seal ring 203 according to various embodiments may comprise acoating, such as an antimicrobial coating. The flexible seal ring 203 dmay be manufactured from extruded rubber or other types of suitablematerials as can be appreciated.

Referring next to FIGS. 10A and 10B, shown are cross-sectional views ofthe flexible seal rings 203 c and 203 d. As shown, the flexible sealring 203 d has several walls that may facilitate the flexible seal ring203 d at least partially collapsing when compressed. The flexible sealring 203 c comprises a material that may facilitate the flexible sealring 203 c at least partially collapsing to form the appropriate sealsas can be appreciated.

With reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 14, shown is the sealing washer119 positioned on the upper flat surface of the closet collar adapter113 according to various embodiments. In the embodiments of FIGS. 11,12, 13, and 14, the sealing washer 119 comprises a center hole 403 witha radius that is less than the radius of the opening 406 for the closetcollar adapter 113. According to various embodiments, the closet collaradapter 113 may comprise one or more holes 409 through which bolts,screws, or any other suitable type of fasteners may insert to hold atleast portions of the system down as can be appreciated.

Referring next to FIG. 15, shown is another example of a closet collaradaptation assembly 500 according to various embodiments. The closetcollar adaptation assembly 500 in the embodiment of FIG. 15 includes thesealing washer 119 and the closet collar adapter 113. In addition,disposed over the closet collar adapter 113 is an adapter plate 503. Theadapter plate 503 may be constructed of steel, aluminum, or other metalas can be appreciated. In alternative embodiments, the adapter plate 503may be constructed of plastic, for example, or any other type ofsuitable material. The adapter plate 503 according to variousembodiments may also comprise an integrated antimicrobial agent.Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments of the adapter plate503 may include an antimicrobial coating, such as an antimicrobialpaint, an antimicrobial metal powder coating, or any other type offinish.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 15 shows the components of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 500 as being separate components, inalternative embodiments, one or more of the components of the adaptationassembly 500 may be integrally molded as a single component. In furtheralternative embodiments, one or more of the components of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 500 may be bonded to form a single componentusing, for example, an overmolding process or any other suitable method.For example, the sealing washer 119, the closet collar adapter 113,and/or other components may be overmolded to the adapter plate 503 invarious embodiments.

The adapter plate 503 may include one or more legs 506 that can be usedto fasten the adapter plate 503 to the flooring 103 (FIG. 1A), therebyholding the closet collar adaptation assembly 500 in proper positionwith respect to the closet collar 100 (FIG. 1A). It may be that the feetof the legs 506 come into contact with the flooring 103, or they mightbe suspended above the flooring 103 such that a screw or bolt rigidlyadheres the legs 506 to the flooring 103.

Protruding from the adapter plate 503 are bolts 509 that may be, forexample, affixed directly to the adapter plate 503 according to variousembodiments. The bolts 509 may insert into corresponding holes in thetoilet 213 (FIG. 3) and be used to fasten the toilet 213 to the closetcollar adaptation assembly 500. The flexible seal ring 203 may bedisposed under the closet collar adapter 113 as described above. Theadapter plate 503 may provide greater stability in that it may beattached to the flooring 103 around the closet collar 100 for cases, forexample, where the closet collar 100 may be broken or otherwisecompromised. In addition, screws may be used to affix the adapter plate503 to the floor structure through the holes 513 as shown. Such screwsmay protrude through the flexible seal ring 203 according to variousembodiments.

With reference to FIG. 16, shown is an example of the closet collaradaptation assembly 500 after it has been installed over a closet collar100 (not visible) such that the legs 506 come into contact with flooring103. By bolting the adapter plate 503 to the flooring 103, greaterstability of the connection between the toilet and the closet collar 100may be provided.

With reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B, shown are additional drawings ofthe closet collar adaptation assembly 500 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 17A shows apartially-exploded side view, and FIG. 17B shows a partially-explodedcross-section view of the closet collar adaptation assembly 500according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, thesealing washer 119 may include thickened portions 533 along the outsidediameter of the sealing washer 119 that are configured to contact theadapter plate 503. According to various embodiments, the thickenedportions 533 may be adhered to the adapter plate 503. Also, the sealingwasher 119 is configured to contact the closet collar adapter 113.According to various embodiments, the sealing washer 119 may be sealedor affixed to the closet collar adapter 113 to form a seal between thecloset collar adapter 113 and the sealing washer 119. Thus, the sealingwasher 119 may be affixed to both the closet collar adapter 113 and theadapter plate 503 to promote a seal to prevent sewage gases fromescaping as can be appreciated. In another embodiment, the sealingwasher 119 may comprise a constant thickness and simply may be bent downaround the upper surface of the closet collar adapter 113 to be affixedto the adapter plate 503.

With reference to FIG. 18, shown is the closet collar adaptationassembly 500 for which a toilet 213 has been installed over a closetcollar 100. As shown, the sealing washer 119 makes contact with the horn216 of the toilet 213. Additionally, the sealing washer 119 may beadhered to both the closet collar adapter 113 and the adapter plate 503so as to prevent sewage gases from escaping through the junction of thecloset collar adapter 113 and the adapter plate 503.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, shown is the closet collar adaptationassembly 500 with a lid 553 positioned over the opening provided by thecloset collar adaption assembly 500. The lid 553 may include protrusions556 into which the anchor bolts 206 may insert to thereby facilitate theanchor bolts 206 coupling the lid 553 to the closet collar adaptationassembly 500. In some embodiments, the protrusions 556 may includeinternal teeth, ribs, and/or other features that may facilitate theanchor bolts 206 being restricted in the protrusions 556. The lid 553being coupled to the closet collar adaptation assembly 500 may provide aseal over the closet collar 100.

With reference to FIG. 21, shown is an example of the closet collaradaptation assembly 600 according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the closet collar adaptation assembly 600 includesthe closet collar adapter 113 that is positioned over the closet collar100 with the flexible seal ring 203 disposed therebetween. As shown, theflexible seal ring 203 may provide a direct seal between the closetcollar adapter 113 and the closet collar 100. The sealing washer 119 isdisposed on the upper surface of the closet collar adapter 113. Inaddition, an adapter plate 603 is positioned above the sealing washer119. The adapter plate 603 may be affixed to the sealing washer by, forexample, an appropriate adhesive, fasteners, or any other suitablemechanism. Alternatively, the adapter plate 603 may simply be placedover the assembly as shown. The adapter plate 603 may include holes 513(FIG. 15) and legs 506 (FIG. 15) that are not shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 21. Bolts 606 extend from the upper surface of the adapter plate603 in the present embodiment.

According to various embodiments, the closet collar adaptation assembly600 may be advantageous in that there are fewer joints to seal toprevent sewage gases and other matter from escaping the joint betweenthe toilet 213 (FIG. 3) and the closet collar 100. Specifically, theflexible seal ring 203 provides for sealing between the closet collaradapter 113 and the closet collar 100. Also, the sealing washer 119 isdirectly positioned on the upper surface of the closet collar adapter113. This may provide greater surface area for a greater seal. Further,the adapter plate 603 may provide greater stability for all of the sealsand may hold the entire closet collar adaptation assembly 600 in placeover the closet collar 100 as can be appreciated.

In addition, a plug 609 may be provided that may be pushed into the holepresented by the sealing washer 119 to plug the hole over the closetcollar 100. The plug 609 may prevent the escape of sewage gases when atoilet has not been installed. To this end, the plug 609 may be employedwith any one of the embodiments of the various closet collar adaptationassemblies described herein.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 21 shows the components of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 600 as being separate components, inalternative embodiments, one or more of the components of the adaptationassembly 600 may be integrally molded as a single component. In furtheralternative embodiments, one or more of the components of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 600 may be bonded to form a single componentusing, for example, an overmolding process or any other suitable method.For example, the sealing washer 119, the closet collar adapter 113,and/or other components may be overmolded to the adapter plate 603 invarious embodiments.

With reference to FIGS. 22A-22B, shown is the adapter plate 503according to various embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the bolts 706a-706 b are separate components from the adapter plate 503. The adapterplate 503 in FIGS. 22A-22B includes one or more holes 703 a-703 d toreceive the bolts 706 a-706 b. The bolts 706 a-706 b may be passed intothe corresponding holes 703 a-703 d so that the bolt heads 709 a-709 bmay be flush with the adapter plate 503. A press fit, threads, or anyother suitable type of mechanism may retain the bolts 706 a-706 b in theholes 703 a-703 d.

Turning now to FIGS. 23A-23D, shown is an interaction of the adapterplate 503 and the sealing washer 119 according to various embodiments.In the embodiment shown, the adapter plate 503 now includes one or morereceptacles 713, and the sealing washer 119 includes correspondingprotrusions 716. When the sealing washer 119 is seated on the adapterplate 503 during assembly, for example, the protrusions 716 of thesealing washer 119 may insert into the receptacles 713 of the adapterplate 503. Having the protrusions 716 fit in the receptacles 713 mayfacilitate a proper concentric alignment of the sealing washer 119 withrespect to the adapter plate 503. As best shown in FIG. 23E, the sealingwasher 119 may also include a lip 719 that provides a space toaccommodate the closet collar adapter 113, as will be shown later.

With reference to FIG. 24A, shown is the closet collar adaptationassembly 200 according to various embodiments. The closet collaradaptation assembly 200 may include the adapter plate 503, the closetcollar adapter 113, the sealing washer 119, and potentially othercomponents. The adapter plate 503 may be mounted to the surface of theflooring 103, and the closet collar adapter 113 may be seated on theadapter plate 503 as shown. Additionally, the sealing washer 119 may beseated on the closet collar adapter 113 and the adapter plate 503. Aportion of the closet collar adapter 113 may also fit between theadapter plate 503 and the lip 719 of the sealing washer 119. By theprotrusions 716 of the sealing washer 119 being inserted into thereceptacles 713 of the adapter plate 503, proper concentric alignmentsof the adapter plate 503, the sealing washer 119, and the closet collaradapter 113 may be obtained. As shown in FIG. 24A, the bolts 706 a-706 bmay pass through and be retained in the corresponding holes 703 a-703 bof the adapter plate 503 so that the bolt heads 709 a-709 b are flushwith the adapter plate 503.

Turning to FIG. 24B, shown is the closet collar adaptation assembly 200according to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 24B, the closetcollar adapter 113 may be flexible to accommodate various flooring 103,closet collar 100, and/or drain pipe geometries. To this end, the closetcollar adapter 113 may comprise a neoprene, foam rubber,polyvinylchloride (PVC) rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),thermoplastic rubber (TPR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylenepropylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, flexible PVC, or another type ofsuitable material. One or more of the components of the closet collaradaptation assembly 200, such as the closet collar adapter 113 and/orthe sealing washer 119 may comprise an antimicrobial material, such asan integrated antimicrobial agent and/or an antimicrobial coating.

Further, one or more of the components of the closet collar adaptationassembly 200, such as the closet collar adapter 113 and/or the sealingwasher 119, may be constructed using an overmolding process. The use ofthermoplastic rubber flexible PVC, or thermoplastic elastomer mayfacilitate construction of the closet collar adapter 113 using injectionmolding processes. Additionally, one or more of the components of thecloset collar adaptation assembly 200, such as the closet collar adapter113 and/or the sealing washer 119 may be integrally molded as a singlepart according to various embodiments.

Turning to FIG. 25A, shown is an alternative embodiment of the adapterplate 503 according to various embodiments. As shown, the clips 353 maybe formed as part of the adapter plate 503. The clips 353 may alsoaccept and retain the anchor bolts 206. The clips 353 in the presentembodiment comprise mouths that may grip anchor bolts 206.

Referring now to FIG. 25B, shown is another embodiment of the adapterplate 503. In this embodiment, the adapter plate 503 includes elongatedslots 803 that receive the anchor bolts 206 (FIG. 3). Because the slots803 are elongated, the closet collar adapter 113 may accept anchor bolts206 that are at various radial distances with respect to the center ofthe adapter plate 503.

Turning to FIG. 25C, shown is another embodiment of the closet collaradapter 113. In the embodiment shown, elongated clips 806 are now formedas part of the closet collar adapter 113. The elongated clips 806 in thepresent example comprise teeth that may grip anchor bolts 206 (FIG. 3).The elongated clips 806 may accept and retain the anchor bolts 206 thatare at various radial distances with respect to the center of theadapter plate 503.

With reference to FIGS. 26A-26C, shown is the closet collar adaptationassembly 200 according to various embodiments. As shown, the adapterplate 503 may be seated on the flooring 103. Also, the closet collaradapter 113 may be seated between the sealing washer 119 and the adapterplate 503. The sealing washer 119 and/or the closet collar adapter 113may be glued to the adapter plate 503, for example, during assembly ofthe closet collar adaptation assembly 200. Further, the sealing washer119 and the closet collar adapter 113 may be glued together. In someembodiments, gluing the closet collar adapter 113 may be omitted,because the closet collar adapter 113 may be seated and retained betweenthe sealing washer 119 and the adapter plate 503.

As best shown in FIG. 26C, the bottom opening of the pipe extension 116for the closet collar adapter 113 is at a level that is lower than thetop opening of the closet collar 100. Thus, wastes passing through thepipe extension 116 may pass from the closet collar adapter 113 throughthe closet collar 100.

Turning now to FIGS. 27A-27B, shown is a bellow 550 according to variousembodiments. The bellow 550 may include a first lip 553, a second lip556, a ridge 559, and a collapsible portion 563. The bellow 550 maycomprise a flexible material, such as flexible PVC, thermoplasticrubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, or any other type of material. Invarious embodiments, the bellow 550, sealing washer 119, closet collaradapter 113, the bellow 550, and/or other components may constructedusing overmolding techniques. For example, these components may beovermolded to the adapter plate 503 using through-holes in the adapterplate 503 to facilitate a bond between the components.

With reference now to FIG. 27C, shown is the closet collar adaptationassembly 200 according to various embodiments. The closet collaradaptation assembly 200 includes the adapter plate 503 seated on theflooring 103. The sealing washer 119 may be seated on the adapter plate503, and the closet collar adapter 113 may be seated between the adapterplate 503 and the sealing washer 119. Additionally, the bellow 550 maybe disposed between the top of the closet collar 100 and the bottom ofthe adapter plate 503. In this sense, the first lip 553 of the bellow550 may be in contact with the adapter plate 503, and the second lip 556and the ridge 559 may be in contact with the closet collar 100. In someembodiments, an adhesive may be disposed on the first lip 553 and/or thesecond lip 556 to facilitate installation and/or a seal. Also, invarious embodiments, the first lip 553 of the bellow may be overmoldedto the adapter plate 503. Thus, the bellow 550 may act as a seal andthereby prevent liquids and/or gases from escaping from the closetcollar adaptation assembly 200.

One or more of the flexible rings 555 may be located between the bellow550 and the flooring 103. The flexible rings 555 may comprise rubber,foam, or any other type of material. Additionally, the flexible rings555 may be compressible and thereby facilitate the closet collaradaptation assembly 200 being compatible with closet collars 100 thatare at various heights with respect to the flooring 103.

Turning now to FIG. 28A, shown is an alternative embodiment of theflexible ring 555 according to various embodiments. The flexible ring555 may include one or more grooves 570, for example, along an exteriorcircumference of the flexible ring 555. The flexible ring 555 may bemanufactured using an extrusion process or other type of process, andends of the extruded material may be glued together in order to form thering shape.

FIG. 28B shows an interaction of the flexible ring 555 of FIG. 28A withthe bellow 550 according to various embodiments. The flexible ring 555may be disposed between the first lip 553 and the second lip 556 of thebellow 550.

With reference to FIG. 29A, shown is an interaction of the bellow 550with the flexible ring 555 according to various embodiments. In theembodiment shown, the flexible ring 555 has a circular cross-section. Asshown, the collapsible portion 563 of the bellow 550 may at leastpartially collapse. Upon the collapsible portion 563 at least partiallycollapsing due to a force exerted, for example by the adapter plate 503,the first lip 553 and second lip 556 may be in contact with the flexiblering 555.

Turning now to FIG. 29B, shown is an interaction of the bellow 550 withthe flexible ring 555 according to further embodiments. In thisembodiment, the flexible ring 555, referred to herein as the flexiblering 555 a, may be a portion that has been cut and removed from theflexible ring 555 shown in FIG. 28A.

With reference to FIG. 30A shown is an alternative embodiment of theflexible ring 555 a. FIG. 30A shows multiple flexible rings 555,referred to herein as the flexible ring 555 a and the flexible ring 555b. The flexible rings 555 a-555 b may be hollow according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 30B shows an interaction of the flexible rings 555 a-555 b of FIG.30A with the bellow 550 according to various embodiments. One or moreflexible rings 555 a-555 b may be stacked to facilitate a proper sealbetween the closet collar adapter 113 (FIG. 24A) and the closet collar100 (FIG. 24A) when the closet collar 100 is recessed in the flooring103 (FIG. 24A).

With reference to FIGS. 30C-30D, shown is an alternative embodiment ofthe first flexible ring 555 a and the second flexible ring 555 b andtheir interactions with the bellow 550 according to various embodiments.As shown, the first flexible ring 555 a and the second flexible ring 555b may be connected at a joint 575 and thus formed as a single component.A user, for example, may cut along the joint 575 to separate the firstflexible ring 555 a from the second flexible ring 555 b.

Referring to FIGS. 31A-31B, shown is an alternative embodiment of thecloset collar adaptation assembly 200 according to various embodiments.In the embodiment shown, the closet collar adaptation assembly 200includes the sealing washer 119, the adapter plate 503, one or moreflexible rings 555, and the closet collar adapter 113. The closet collaradapter 113 in the embodiment shown may perform a similar function asthe bellow 550 (FIG. 30A) discussed above. In particular, the closetcollar adapter 113 in the present embodiment may act as a seal andthereby prevent liquids and/or gases from escaping from the closetcollar adaptation assembly 200. To this end, the closet collar adapter113 may include a first lip 602, a second lip 604, and a collapsibleportion 605. As best shown in FIG. 31B, the first lip 602 may abut theadapter plate 503 and one of the flexible rings 555. Similarly, thesecond lip 604 may abut the closet collar 100 and one of the flexiblerings 555. Thus, the closet collar adapter 113 may provide a seal andthereby prevent liquids and/or gases from escaping from the closetcollar adaptation assembly 200.

In some embodiments, the first lip 602 may be positioned between theadapter plate 503 and the sealing washer 119. Also, some or all of theflexible components may be molded as a single component. For instance,all of the flexible components may be overmolded onto the adapter plate503.

Referring to FIG. 32A, shown is an example of a portion of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 200 of FIGS. 31A-31B for which a singleflexible ring 555 is being used. As shown, the first lip 602 and thesecond lip 604 of the closet collar adapter 113 are in contact with theflexible ring 555, and the collapsible portion 605 of the closet collaradapter 113 is now at least partially collapsed.

With reference to FIG. 32B, shown is an example of a portion of thecloset collar adaptation assembly 200 of FIGS. 31A-31B according tovarious embodiments. In the present example, a portion of the flexiblering 555 of FIG. 28A is being used. As shown, the first lip 602 and thesecond lip 604 of the closet collar adapter 113 are in contact with theflexible ring 555, and the collapsible portion 605 of the closet collaradapter 113 is now at least partially collapsed.

Referring to FIG. 32C, shown is an example of a portion of the closetcollar adaptation assembly 200 of FIGS. 31A-31B for the case in which aflexible ring 555 (FIG. 32B) is not used. As shown, the collapsibleportion 605 of the closet collar adapter 113 has partially collapsed toan extent that is even greater than as shown in FIGS. 32B-32C.

With reference now to FIGS. 33A-33B, shown is another example of acloset collar adapter 113 according to various embodiments. The closetcollar adapter 113 shown may include a lip 750, a collapsible portion753, a base 756, and the pipe extension 116. The collapsible portion 753may further include a first portion 759, a second portion 763, and athird portion 766 of the closet collar adapter 113. A first edge 769 mayconnect the first portion 759 and the second portion 763 of thecollapsible portion 753. Further, a second edge 773 may connect thesecond portion 763 and the third portion 766 of the collapsible portion753 of the closet collar adapter 113. Additionally, a third edge 774 mayconnect the third portion 766 of the collapsible portion 753 to the base756.

The first portion 759 of the collapsible portion 753 of the closetcollar adapter 113 may have a wall thickness that is greater than thewall thickness of the second portion 763 and the third portion 766 ofthe collapsible portion 753. Additionally, the second edge 773 may berecessed inward with respect to the closet collar adapter 113. The base756 may further include a first portion 776 and a second portion 779.The wall for the first portion 776 of the base 756 may be thinner thanthe wall for the second portion 779 of the base.

Turning to FIG. 33C, shown is another embodiment of the closet collaradaptation assembly 200 for which the closet collar adapter 113 of FIG.33A is being used. As shown, the lip 750 of the closet collar adapter113 may be disposed between the sealing washer 119 and the adapter plate503. The base 756 of the closet collar adapter may be seated on thecloset collar 100. One or more flexible rings 555 may be disposedbetween the closet collar adapter 113 and the flooring 103 as shown.

With reference to FIG. 33D, shown is a portion of the closet collaradaptation assembly 200 of FIG. 33B for the case in which a singleflexible ring 555 is being used. As shown, the collapsible portion 753of the closet collar adapter 113 has partially collapsed. In particular,the first portion 776 of the base 756 may flex and thereby facilitatethe base 756 displacing downward. Additionally, the third edge 774 ofthe collapsible portion 753 may flex and facilitate the third portion766 of the collapsible portion 753 displacing downward. Thus, a verticaldistance between the third edge 774 and the second edge 773 maydecrease.

The second portion 763 of the collapsible portion 753 may extend inwardand downward by flexing about the second edge 773 and the first edge769. As such, a vertical distance between the first edge 769 and thesecond edge 773 may decrease. Additionally, the first edge 769 may flexand facilitate the lip 750 and the first portion of the collapsibleportion 753 displacing downward.

Turning now to FIG. 33E, shown is a portion of the closet collar adapter113 collapsed, for example, in the event that a flexible ring 555 (33D)is not being used in conjunction with the closet collar adaptationassembly 200 (FIG. 33D).

It is emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the presentdisclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth fora clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Manyvariations and modifications may be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit andprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.

Therefore, the following is claimed:
 1. An apparatus comprising: anannular collapsible portion; a first lip extending radially outward froma first end of the annular collapsible portion; a second lip extendingradially outward from a second end of the annular collapsible portion; aridge extending from the annular collapsible portion configured toextend into a closet collar, where the annular collapsible portion, thefirst lip, the second lip, and the ridge comprise a unitary structure;and at least one flexible ring located in a recessed channel bordered bythe first lip, the second lip, and the annular collapsible portion. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible ring furthercomprises a plurality of flexible rings.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the at least one flexible ring comprises a foam.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible ring iscompressible.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the annularcollapsible portion, the first lip, the second lip, the ridge, and theat least one flexible ring comprise a closet collar adaptation assemblythat is compatible with a plurality of possible closet collars disposedat varying heights with respect to a flooring.
 6. A closet collaradaptation assembly, comprising: an annular collapsible portion adaptedto fit a plurality of gap sizes between a toilet and a closet collar; afirst lip extending radially outward from a first end of the annularcollapsible portion, the first lip adapted to contact the closet collar;a second lip extending radially outward from a second end of the annularcollapsible portion, the second lip adapted to contact a bottom surfaceof the toilet; a ridge extending from the annular collapsible portionconfigured to extend into the closet collar, where the annularcollapsible portion, the first lip, the second lip, and the ridgecomprise a unitary structure; and at least one flexible ring locatedbetween the first lip and the second lip.
 7. The closet collaradaptation assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one flexible ringfurther comprises a plurality of flexible rings.
 8. The closet collaradaptation assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one flexible ringcomprises a foam.
 9. The closet collar adaptation assembly of claim 6,wherein the at least one flexible ring is compressible.
 10. The closetcollar adaptation assembly of claim 6, wherein the closet collaradaptation assembly is compatible with a plurality of possible closetcollars disposed at varying heights with respect to a flooring.
 11. Amethod, comprising: positioning a closet collar adaptation assembly ontoa closet collar, wherein the closet collar adaptation assemblycomprises: an annular collapsible portion; a first lip extendingradially outward from a first end of the annular collapsible portion; asecond lip extending radially outward from a second end of the annularcollapsible portion; a ridge extending from the annular collapsibleportion; and at least one flexible ring positioned between the first lipand the second lip, wherein the second lip comes into contact with thecloset collar; and positioning a toilet above the closet collaradaptation assembly, wherein the toilet comes into contact with thefirst lip, thereby providing a seal between the closet collar and thetoilet.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising extending theridge into the closet collar when the second lip is placed in contactwith the closet collar.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprisingcompressing the at least one flexible ring between the first lip and thesecond lip.